Peninsula Pediatrics

Category: Teen Health & Wellness

Vaping and E-Cigarettes: What Parents Need to Know

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E-cigarettes are a common health concern affecting kids. These devices are often promoted or perceived as being less harmful than traditional cigarettes, but vaping is not safe for children, teens, or young adults. Understanding what e-cigarettes contain, why nicotine is especially concerning during adolescence, and how to talk with your child about vaping can help you protect their health.

Quick answer: Vaping is not safe for children, teens, or young adults. E-cigarette aerosol can contain nicotine and other harmful substances, and nicotine is highly addictive and can harm the developing brain. Rockaway parents can start talking with their kids early, listen, set a vape-free example, and call us for support.

What are e-cigarettes and what do they contain?

E-cigarettes are electronic devices that heat a liquid to create an aerosol that the user inhales. You may hear them being called vapes, vape pens, e-cigs, or mods. Some are designed to resemble cigarettes, while others can look like pens or USB drives. E-cigarettes can also be used to deliver marijuana and other substances. The aerosol produced by these devices isn’t harmless water vapor. It can contain nicotine along with other potentially harmful substances. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), these can include cancer-causing chemicals, volatile organic compounds, ultrafine particles that can be inhaled deeply into the lungs, and heavy metals such as nickel, tin, and lead. Flavorings can also make vaping products more appealing to young people. While federal regulations have restricted certain flavored cartridge-based e-cigarettes, flavored vaping products remain available in different forms.

Why is nicotine a concern for teens?

Nicotine, which is found in most e-cigarettes, is a highly addictive substance. Some products marketed as containing zero percent nicotine have even been found to still contain it. This substance is especially concerning for young people because the brain continues developing until about age 25. Nicotine exposure during adolescence can harm parts of the brain involved in attention, learning, mood, and impulse control.

How can young people become addicted to nicotine?

Young people can become addicted to nicotine more easily than they may realize. As the brain adapts to the substance, a teen may need more of it to experience the same effects. When they stop using it, withdrawal can cause symptoms that make quitting difficult. Additionally, the effects of nicotine addiction can create a cycle. A young person may use nicotine because they feel anxious, stressed, or depressed, while nicotine addiction and withdrawal can contribute to those same feelings.

Are there other health risks besides nicotine?

Nicotine isn’t the only concern associated with e-cigarettes. The substances contained in e-cigarette aerosol can expose the lungs to harmful chemicals and particles, and the e-cigarette liquid can also be dangerous. Children and adults have been poisoned after swallowing, breathing, or absorbing the liquid through their skin or eyes. There is also evidence connecting vaping with later cigarette use. According to the CDC, young people who use e-cigarettes may be more likely to smoke cigarettes in the future.

How can parents talk with their child about vaping?

Parents play an important role in preventing nicotine use. We recommend starting conversations about vaping before you suspect your child is using e-cigarettes. Instead of focusing on a one-time discussion, look for multiple opportunities to talk about what your child sees among their friends, at school, online, or in advertising. Let them know that vaping isn’t harmless and how nicotine can affect their developing brain and lead to addiction. Listening is important as well. Giving your teen room to ask questions or talk about what they’re seeing among their peers can make these conversations more productive. You can also set an example by maintaining a tobacco-free and vape-free home. Avoiding tobacco products yourself helps reinforce the healthy behaviors you’re encouraging in your child while also protecting your family from exposure.

What should I do if my child is vaping?

If you discover that your child is vaping, approach the conversation with the goal of helping them quit rather than punishing them. Nicotine addiction can make stopping difficult, and teens may need support. Your pediatrician can be an important resource, too. They can talk privately with your teen about tobacco and nicotine use, answer questions about health risks, and help your family find appropriate support for quitting.

Frequently asked questions

Is vaping safe for kids and teens?

No. Vaping is not safe for children, teens, or young adults, even though e-cigarettes are often promoted or perceived as being less harmful than traditional cigarettes.

Is e-cigarette aerosol just water vapor?

No. The aerosol isn’t harmless water vapor. It can contain nicotine along with other potentially harmful substances, including cancer-causing chemicals, volatile organic compounds, ultrafine particles, and heavy metals such as nickel, tin, and lead.

Why is nicotine especially concerning for teens?

The brain continues developing until about age 25, and nicotine exposure during adolescence can harm parts of the brain involved in attention, learning, mood, and impulse control.

What should I do if I find out my child is vaping?

Approach the conversation with the goal of helping them quit rather than punishing them. Your pediatrician can talk privately with your teen and help your family find appropriate support for quitting.

If you’re concerned that your child is vaping or have questions about nicotine use, please call or contact our office. We’re here to support your child’s health and help your family find the resources you need. Peninsula Pediatrics proudly cares for families across the Rockaways, including Rockaway Park, Belle Harbor, Neponsit, Rockaway Beach, Arverne, and Far Rockaway.

Keeping Young Athletes Healthy and Safe Throughout the Sports Season

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Sports can be a wonderful part of childhood and adolescence. They give kids opportunities to exercise, develop athletic skills, make friends, and learn teamwork. Whether your child is joining a school team or participating in a recreational league, staying healthy throughout the season requires more than showing up for practices. Sports physicals, injury prevention, proper nutrition and hydration, adequate recovery, and safe training all play a role.

Quick answer: Keeping young athletes healthy starts with a sports physical 6 to 8 weeks before the season, ideally with their regular pediatrician. Add gradual training, rest, balanced nutrition, hydration, properly fitted gear, and caution with supplements. Rockaway families can call us to schedule a well visit and sports physical.

When should my child get a sports physical?

Before a new sports season begins, schedule your child’s sports physical as part of their regular well-check visit at least 6 to 8 weeks before the season. This gives you time to follow up on any concerns before practices or competitions begin. Make sure to provide your pediatrician with an accurate health history, including any information you have about your family’s heart health. Your pediatrician can evaluate factors that may affect your child’s ability to participate safely, including heart health, previous injuries or concussions, nutrition, and mental health. Whenever possible, it’s best to have the evaluation performed by your child’s regular pediatrician instead of relying on an urgent care clinic or mass sports physical. Your pediatrician already knows your child’s medical history and can consider their overall health and development.

How can I reduce the risk of sports injuries?

Some injuries occur suddenly, but others develop gradually. Overuse injuries happen when repetitive activity continually stresses muscles, bones, tendons, or ligaments without giving the body enough time to recover. Growing athletes can be particularly vulnerable. Instead of specializing in one sport too early, encourage your kids to try a variety of age-appropriate activities. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends limiting training or competition to 5 to 6 days per week and taking 2 to 3 months away from a specific sport each year. Additionally, it’s important that training intensity increases gradually. Young athletes also need sufficient sleep, nutritious food, and recovery time. If your child experiences persistent pain during or after activity, don’t encourage them to push through it. Pain may be an early warning of an injury that requires attention.

What should young athletes eat and drink?

Adequate nutrition gives kids the energy they need for activity and supports recovery. Athletes may require additional calories and fluids depending on how much they’re exercising. Encourage three balanced meals each day with snacks in between and make sure your child eats before and after physical activity. A young athlete’s diet should include carbohydrates for energy, protein to support the body, and healthy fats, along with essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Foods such as whole grains, fruits, vegetables, beans, tofu and other soy foods, nuts, seeds, fish, lean meats, eggs, dairy products, avocados, and olive oil can all contribute important nutrients. Iron and calcium are especially essential for athletes. If you’re concerned that your child isn’t getting the nutrition they need, talk with your pediatrician before adding supplements. Hydration is also crucial. Kids should drink water before, during, and after sports and take regular water breaks during vigorous activity, especially in hot weather.

What equipment and technique do young athletes need?

It’s important that your child’s protective gear is appropriate for their sport and fits correctly. Depending on the activity, this might include a helmet, mouth guard, pads, protective eyewear, face protection, or a protective cup. But remember that equipment alone can’t prevent every injury. Children also need to follow the rules, learn proper techniques, strengthen their muscles, stretch to support flexibility, and take breaks during practices and games. If pain develops while your child is exercising, they should stop the activity. Tenderness directly over a bone in a growing athlete should be evaluated by a healthcare provider even when there isn’t significant swelling or difficulty with movement.

Are performance-enhancing products safe for kids?

Young athletes may encounter ads, social media posts, or teammates promoting supplements and substances that claim to increase strength, speed, or athletic performance. These products aren’t a replacement for proper nutrition and training, and some of them can be harmful. Help your child understand that good nutrition, appropriate training, and sufficient rest are what’s important for athletic performance. Talk with your pediatrician before your child takes any supplements or other performance-enhancing products. Finally, remember that sports should be a positive experience. Too much pressure to perform or win can create emotional stress. Praise your child’s effort and sportsmanship instead of focusing only on the final score.

Frequently asked questions

How early should I schedule a sports physical?

Schedule your child’s sports physical as part of their regular well-check visit at least 6 to 8 weeks before the season so there is time to follow up on any concerns.

What does the AAP recommend to prevent overuse injuries?

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends limiting training or competition to 5 to 6 days per week and taking 2 to 3 months away from a specific sport each year.

Should my child push through pain during sports?

No. If your child experiences persistent pain during or after activity, don’t encourage them to push through it. Pain may be an early warning of an injury that requires attention.

Should my child take supplements to improve performance?

Talk with your pediatrician before your child takes any supplements or other performance-enhancing products. Good nutrition, appropriate training, and sufficient rest are what’s important for athletic performance.

If your child is participating in sports this year, please call or contact our office to schedule their well visit and sports physical. We can help make sure they’re healthy and ready for a safe season! Peninsula Pediatrics proudly cares for families across the Rockaways, including Rockaway Park, Belle Harbor, Neponsit, Rockaway Beach, Arverne, and Far Rockaway.

Caffeine & Energy Drinks: What Every Parent Should Know

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While a cup of coffee or tea can be healthy for most adults, it’s important to consider the effects of caffeine on your children’s development and growth. Caffeine affects kids differently than it does adults, and there are health risks that should be taken into consideration. Knowing how much caffeine is safe, what to watch out for, and how energy drinks factor in will help you guide your child toward healthier choices.

Caffeine is a stimulant found naturally in coffee beans, tea leaves, cacao, and in some plants like guarana. It’s also added to many beverages and energy drinks. In children and teens, their bodies and brains are still developing, which means caffeine can have stronger effects. It can increase heart rate, raise blood pressure, trigger rapid breathing, cause nausea, restlessness, or anxiety, and interfere with sleep. Even hours after consuming caffeine, children may feel its effects, and when it wears off, they might experience headaches, irritability, or tiredness.

Caffeine can also reduce appetite or lead to eating less nutritious foods. When children drink caffeinated beverages, they may be less likely to consume fruits, vegetables, and other important sources of vitamins and minerals, which are essential for healthy growth. Disrupted sleep, poor concentration, or mood changes often follow, and these can affect school performance, emotional well-being, and overall health.

It’s not just coffee and tea that have caffeine. Energy drinks also have caffeine and tend to have higher amounts, along with other stimulants, such as guarana, taurine, or taurine-like ingredients. In fact, most energy drinks contain more than 100mg of caffeine, which is more than the limit recommended for kids ages 12-18. Energy drinks often contain large amounts of added sugar as well, which can lead to weight gain, tooth decay, and spikes in energy followed by crashes. Frequent consumption of energy drinks has been linked to symptoms such as nervousness, shaking hands, stomach problems, headaches, irregular heart rhythms, and sleep disturbances. Kids with underlying health conditions, like heart issues or anxiety, may be at even greater risk.

Many sodas also contain caffeine, although they have less than coffee, tea, and energy drinks. For example, Pepsi Zero has 38mg of caffeine, Diet Coke has 46mg, and Mountain Dew has 54mg. Caffeine can also be found in some foods, like chocolate. A 3.5-ounce dark chocolate bar could have anywhere from 50 to 150 mg of caffeine. Ice cream, protein bars, chocolate chips, energy bars, and chewing gum can also have hidden caffeine.

For children under the age of 12, it is recommended to limit caffeine as much as possible or avoid it altogether. For kids ages 12-18, staying at or under 100mg of caffeine per day is recommended. Pay close attention to labels on beverages your children drink, as caffeine can show up in unexpected places. It’s also important to be aware of caffeine pouches that can be appealing to teens. The caffeine in them is quickly absorbed into the bloodstream, producing effects within minutes. These pouches can contain as much as 200mg of caffeine, leading to potentially dangerous doses for kids.

To help kids avoid caffeine, encourage them to drink water instead. Water is the best choice of drink for kids and the best way to stay hydrated. Some kids turn to caffeinated beverages like coffee to stay awake or concentrate in school. To discourage relying on caffeine, make sure your child is getting enough sleep. Caffeine may improve energy levels and alertness, but it is not a substitute for lost sleep.

If your child does overdose on caffeine, it’s important to get them medical help right away. Signs of caffeine overdose include a racing or irregular heartbeat, body shakes and tremors, anxiety, and hyperactivity. If you’re ever concerned about your child’s caffeine use or how it’s affecting their health, please call our office.